Everything You Need To Know About Microblading

Microblading: the technique also known by a variety of names such as eyebrow embroidery, microstroking, feather touch and hair like strokes is a form of permanent makeup that provides a means to partially or fully camouflage missing eyebrow hair with the appearance of simulated hair using fine deposits of cosmetic tattoo pigments.

I am fascinated by this microblading craze. The thought of not having to fill in my eyebrows everyday really intrigues me. I have thought about getting microblading done a few times now, but I have a lot of fear, mainly about getting a tattoo on my face. WTF. That just sounds scary. However, I have now had multiple friends do it and honestly, I would never even look at them and know. It’s so subtle and if you get it done right, it just looks like eyebrows, but your best eyebrows, filled in perfectly.

I decided I needed to call in the troops and get all the info I need if I am going to seriously consider getting microblading done. I called Nashville’s top microblading studio, Anastacia Skin Studio and talked to Anastacia about all of my concerns:

1. What is the process?

– Microblading is a technique of implanting pigment into the skin in ‘hairlike’ strokes. There are several ways of going about this service but we’ve had great experience with our specific style of microblading. Clients book online when the schedule opens a month in advance (books up quickly so it’s great to pre-plan). It’s suggested that clients purchase ‘numb skin’ and apply 1 hour prior to appointment. This is helpful for clients who are nervous or have lower pain tolerance. At appointment we clean the skin, measure the face/brow, fill in the brow area with suggested shape/size/etc, hair style, and finally color of ‘hair’. Once all the important decisions are made we get to it! We basically scratch the surface to lightly break the skin for pigment and highly active numbing cream to penetrate the skin, which sits on for 15-20 mins. We then clean off the area to add more layers and deeper pressure. This part is almost painless. After all that its the big reveal!

2. How long does it last?

– Results vary on clients skin type and lifestyle. The obvious things play a factor like sun exposure, oily skin, lasers, chemical peels, retinA, etc. Most clients will see light fading after the first year and that continues over the next few years. We suggest doing a “color boost” appointment once a year to maintain the results. This is great since our faces change over time and styles change, allowing us to have less regrets!

3. Does it hurt?

-This is all depending on the persons pain tolerance and headspace. If you go into it really nervous and build it up in your head it will probably be more painful than those that realize it isssss a tattoo on your face. Prepare for it physically AND mentally. However, some have almost fallen asleep and some have mentioned the discomfort throughout the service. This is why we offer the NumbSkin to be purchased before arriving to the appointment.

4. How much does it cost?

-Ranging from $500-$700 depending on the chosen artist. This only includes the first session. We offer a Touch up price if done between 4-10 wks after your first session. After that it would be a Color Boost for those wanting more hair or darker brows.

5. What happens as I age and my skin shift around?

– It fades! That’s the magic of semi permanent cosmetics. As your skin shifts…. your brow line shifts with it. Meaning when skin starts to ‘sag’ it takes the hair follicle with it! We only want to microblade where your natural hair would be for this reason and for hair growth opportunities.

6. What if don’t like it?

– Let it fade! Some places offer laser, but most won’t do a procedure that close to the eye.

7. Are you certified?

– Anastacia Skin Studio works under Dr JJ Wendell Plastic Surgery Center (Medical Director) allowing us to provide these amazing services to clients in need. Our staff is also certified in Blood Borne Pathogens, trained under established tattoo artists, and a licensed estheticians / cosmotologist.

8. What questions should I ask if I am getting microblading done outside of Nashville?

-There are a lot of options and artist to choose from, so research that the photos used in advertising are actually from that artist. This is an art and not every tech that’s certified is a brow artist. If you are traveling to Nashville for this service, we (Anastacia Skin Studio) offers a place to stay that mimics the vibe of our studio (which is super cool). Clients can get the full experience with us by staying in our 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage on Nashville’s East Side. Rates vary based on the date. Those interested can email for booking rates/dates/etc. Photos and a link will be up soon! Rental: letsgetschwenked@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping me understand more about microblading. It’s interesting to learn that a lot of people will see the results fade after about a year. Really interested to learn more about how this process can make it last so long, and what could make it last even longer.

It’s interesting that microblading puts pigment into the skin in hair-like strokes. I’d imagine that it would require a lot of practice to make the pigment look like natural hair. My sister is thinking about becoming a cosmetologist, and she wants to know more about the procedure. If she takes some microblading courses, maybe she can practice enough to make it look natural.

I didn’t know that microblading was a form of permanent makeup that helps provide camouflage for missing eyebrow hair. That is really cool that it can help fill out your eyebrows and give them a nice shape and it will fade away if you don’t like it! I have a friend who really dislikes the look of her eyebrows, and I think this would be a great option for her.

It’s good to know that microblading sags naturally with the skin over time. That sounds like something my mother would love because she wants more defined eyebrows, but she is also getting older, so it would be nice to not have to worry about her skin affecting things. I’ll have to talk to her about this and see if she would like to do it!